House Democrats oppose bill that silences Oklahoma voices in initiative petition process
OKLAHOMA CITY – Members of the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus debated against SB 1027, a bill that would limit the number of signatures by Oklahomans in urban areas of the state for initiative petitions. SB 1027 limits the number of valid signatures from any one county. Voters in Oklahoma and Tulsa counties—where nearly 40% of Oklahomans live—could contribute no more than 10% of total signatures each. “Oklahomans are overwhelmingly opposed to this bill because they know it works to silence their efforts to engage in direct democracy," said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “I am so tired of the pitting of urban and rural Oklahomans against each other by our state's leaders. Regardless of where Oklahomans live, they care about quality public schools, access to affordable and quality healthcare, and making a living wage that allows them to care for themselves and their families. By limiting Oklahomans' ability to put forth their priorities when their legislators don't act, we are limiting their freedom to pursue the Oklahoma they want to live in. SB1027 was not requested by Oklahomans, but rather by interest groups, yet the negative impact of this legislation will last generations. My Democratic colleagues in the House urge the Governor to veto SB1027." Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, debated against SB 1027 and proposed an amendment to extend the signature-gathering window from 90 days to 180. That amendment was tabled. “The tabling of my amendment to extend the signature-gathering window from 90 days to 180 days proves that this bill has nothing to do with obtaining more rural input and everything to do with silencing citizens’ voices and severely hindering their constitutional right to petition their government.” Rep. Andy Fugate, D-Del City, debated against the measure and proposed an amendment that would let Oklahomans decide if they wanted this change to their initiative petition process. That amendment was also tabled. “It is very hard to get a measure on the ballot via initiative petition, and this body just voted to make it even harder,” Fugate said. “If we are going to take away the power of the people, we should at least give them the opportunity to decide for themselves if that’s what they want. Sadly, they voted down my amendment to do just that.” Rep. Jared Deck, D-Norman, also debated against the measure and now urges Oklahomans to call for a veto. “Since statehood, when the government has failed, the people have risen to action. Today, the Oklahoma House of Representatives gave preference to the failure of government over the will of the people. The House decided that it knows better than the very voters who elected us. This is the broadest harm to self-government I’ve seen and a decision I believe we will regret for generations to come. The opportunity to put this removal of rights to a vote of the people was offered and rejected. I ask all Oklahomans to call for the Governor to veto this attack on our right to petition our government.” Rep. Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, debated against the bill. “Proponents of this legislation claim it will give a greater voice to rural Oklahomans, but the fact is, it stifles the voices of all Oklahomans at a time when the people’s ability to engage in the political process is as important as ever,” Bennett said. Rep. Suzanne Schreiber, D-Tulsa, also debated against the bill. “Oklahoma was founded on populist principles of putting people over politics,” Schreiber said. “We lose that right with SB 1027. No matter how you slice it, the bill strips Oklahomans’ rights and shifts power away from the people and into the hands of politicians. I’m not for that–I’m for people over politics.” Rep. Michelle McCane, D-Tulsa, also debated against the bill, stating it is an assault on direct democracy. “SB1027 is not about expanding the voice of the people—it’s about silencing them,” McCane said. “Time and time again, Oklahomans have told us they feel ignored, that their voices aren't reaching this chamber, and that their representatives aren't advocating for them. Instead of listening, this bill places even more barriers between the people and their power. It’s unnecessary, restrictive, and a direct assault on our constitutional right to direct democracy. This should be a resounding alarm to the people of Oklahoma: our government is no longer operating as the people’s government.” -END-